A holocaust survivor uses her iPad to capture VP Mike Pence speak at the annual Hanukkah reception at the White House. A group of Holocaust survivors were part of a delegation to the event.

Washington - President Donald Trump is celebrating Hanukkah in the company of eight Holocaust survivors, telling each they had endured “evil beyond description”

The president also referenced the fatal October shooting of 11 Jews at a Pittsburgh synagogue. He says in the aftermath of that “sinister” killing, “we reaffirmed our solemn duty to confront anti-Semitism everywhere. Trump added that we “must stamp out this vile hatred from the world.”

Advertisement:

Trump’s daughter Ivanka converted to Judaism to marry Jared Kushner. Through the couple, Trump has three Jewish grandchildren.

The president described Hanukkah as an “everlasting symbol of Jewish perseverance.”

He says his administration “will always stand” with Israel.

The audience erupted into cheers when Trump mentioned his decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and relocate the U.S. Embassy there from Tel Aviv.

NY state Assemblyman Dov Hikind who led the group of survivors to Washington from Brooklyn said:

“On behalf of the thousands of survivors who still remain alive, and the many children and grandchildren of survivors like myself, we want to thank you Mr. President for your leadership. These Holocaust survivors know that we have a President who cares about them, cares about justice, and who will continue to fight for justice and against anti-Semitism.”

“The most remarkable night in the annals of American presidency. Holocaust Survivors brought on stage by President Trump and recognized for their incredible courage and dignity. It was a remarkable night.”

Senior advisor to the President, Jared Kushner looks on as US President Donald J. Trump speaks during a Hanukkah reception in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 06 December 2018. EPA-EFE/Oliver Contreras / POOL

Holocaust survivors walk up the stage as US President Donald J. Trump speaks during a Hanukkah reception in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 06 December 2018. EPA-EFE/Oliver Contreras / POOL

4

Dec 09, 2018 at 03:31 PMAnonymous Says:

The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of the UK, Theresa May, as well as her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, would never appear in public, on Chanukh, lighting a Menorah with Jewish participants. Hence, we Jewish Americans take it for granted, that we have the religious freedom to light a Menorah on Chanukah, in front of the most powerful person on earth; we should be grateful!